Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-08-29

by which republican success has been defeat
ed inspire honest democrats to revolt against
their party.
The MARYLAND Convention was made espec-
tally noteworthy by the entrance of demo-
cratic leader, the head of the Citizens Reform
League, who pledged himself and the indie
pendent democrats to support the republican
ticket. Mr.. Cowan's speech was that of man
intensely in earnest. He declared that in
every contested election since 1873 the reg
ular democrats" had been defeated, and yet
their opponents had been counted out BY
fraud. Grimes have been followed By crimes,
and the most conspicuous and effective Grim
inals have been rewarded by President Cleve-
land with offices of high trust. Dir. Cowan
and his associates have brought ten democratic
election Judges to prison, and yet the demo-
cratic senator whose work they were doing,
and the notorious Higgins, Thomas and
Raisin. who have led in the planning and
execution of fraud, are honored by the Presi-
dent and the democratic Administration.
Every year the party holds out professions of
reform to befool men who care more for
words than for deeds. But Mr.. Cowan says:
"We have been fed too long with the east wind
of broken PROMISES" and declares that the
body of independents throughout the State
propose 10 support the republican ticket.
The republicans Of MARYLAND naturally
place especial stress upon the reform Of the
civil service and the prevention of fraud in
elections, and their condemnation of the
President for rewsrding party criminals will
be appreciated by many who are not republi-
cans. How far honest democrats will sue
coed in their efforts TO rebuke those who per-
petrate and those who honor crimes for the
sake of party depends upon their own zeal
and sincerity, but they declare through MIR
Cowan that THE 600 maj ority which Cleve
land received ought to be swept out" 1t
would mean great deal If Maryland should
he taken from the list of certain democratic
States
The same issue, 10 different form, Is placed
foremost by the republicans OF Iowa. Their
first two resolutions treat of the crimes by
Snich the democratic party obtains fraudulent
ma orities in Southern States, declaring them
''not only wrong to" the colored men, but
"a bold and successful effort TO make one
vote in the South count for as much as two
10 the North" Iowa realizes that the sui
frage question cannot be local issue: that
the methods by which the democratic party
defeats majority of the people in numerous
States, and thus secures by fraud a Pres
dental victory, affect the rights and
interests of citiZens in every State
alike. TIE Iowa republicans, for ex-
ample, declare strongly for protective
tariff, for honest Civil Service ref)rm, and
against imported contract or pauper labor
But what does it avail, if the 'counting of
votes never cast can send twenty-five Con
gressmen from Southern States and from
Maryland. who were not honestly elected. to
outvote the eleven members from Iowa, and
to make avs for the Nation? OF all the
issues that are or can be raised. this which
the republicans of Maryland and Iowa place
in the forefront of battle must be the most
important, until it has been settled and settled
right.